Apparatus for controlling image processing and a method for controlling image processing

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for controlling image processing comprises means for receiving printing jobs, means for spooling the jobs received, means for joining jobs to make a plurality of the printing jobs retained in the spooling means one printing job by joining them, and means for transferring the joined printing job to a printer side. With a structure thus arranged, the various processes, which have been applied per job in a conventional art, can be applied to a plurality of printing jobs as a whole by joining and regarding them as one job.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/745,152, filed Nov. 7, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,038.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling imageprocessing to control processing image data transferred from a hostcomputer or the like. More particularly, the invention relates to anapparatus for controlling image processing that receives image data froma host computer or the like in the form of the PDL data described usingthe page description language (hereinafter referred to as the PDL), andrelates also to a method for controlling processing images.

2. Related Background Art

Conventionally, the printing operation has been executed per printingjob in a printing system in which PDL data are received from a hostcomputer or the like, and images are processed and transferred for theimage formation thereof. A unit set by a user in printing a documentusing an application program on a host computer is, in general, definedas a printing job. Each of such printing jobs transferred from the hostcomputer has hitherto been processed for printing individually.

Since each printing job transferred from a host computer is processedfor printing individually in the conventional image processing apparatusdescribed above, there are encountered the problems given below.

1) When each printing job is executed for printing in a printer, theprinter is actuated and suspended per printing job. Therefore, if aprinter takes a long time to be actuated and suspended, a waiting timebetween jobs becomes longer, leading to an unfavorable performance.

2) For a printer connected to an image processing apparatus, which iscapable of printing on the right and reverse sides of one printingsheet, it is impossible to form a page contained in different jobs onthe right and reverse sides of one sheet.

3) For an image processing apparatus, which is provided with the N-in-1printing function that enables the apparatus to print N-page images sideby side on one sheet, it is impossible to form the pages contained indifference jobs on one sheet.

4) For a printer connected to an image processing apparatus, which isprovided with the sort printing function to sort and print jobs onplural pages or plural sheets partly or per job, it is impossible tosort and print pages contained in different jobs together.

5) For a printer connected to an image processing apparatus, which isprovided with the sort-staple printing function where stapling is madeper sorted sheet after a sort printing, it is impossible to execute thesort-staple printing for pages included in different jobs together.

Also, when a user produces one document by dividing it into a pluralityof files, there is a need for the user to sort each of them manually ifhe prints them each individually.

Further, when a user produces one documents using a plurality ofapplications, there is a need for the user to sort them manually when heprints them each individually. If he produces the first and third pagesusing an application for producing documents, and then, produces thesecond and fourth pages using another application for producinggraphics, or the like, he should manually sort them after printing, forexample.

Furthermore, when one document is divided and produced by a plurality ofusers responsible for the divided portions, respectively, it isnecessary for the users to print each of them individually and sort themmanually.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed in consideration of the situationsdescribed above. It is an object of the invention to provide anapparatus for controlling image processing capable of applying thevarious processes, which should be executed per unit of job in theconventional art, to a plurality of printing jobs as a whole by joininga plurality of printing jobs that have been transferred from a computeron the printer or server side, as well as to provide a method forcontrolling image processing.

In order to achieve the objectives described in the preceding paragraph,the apparatus for controlling image processing of the present inventionand the method therefor are arranged to receive printing jobs; to holdthe printing jobs thus received; to join a plurality of printing jobs ina spooler together as one printing job; to control a printer so that theprinting jobs thus joined can be transferred to the printer side to formimages; and to execute image processing for the joined printing jobs asone printing job having a plurality of printing jobs thus put together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view which illustrates a job joint.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram which shows an image processing apparatus inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view which schematically shows the structure of an imageforming apparatus.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F are views which illustrate the PDL.

FIG. 5 is a view which illustrates printing jobs.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views which illustrate a printing on the right andreverse sides of a sheet.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views which illustrate a duplex printing.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views which illustrate a 4-in-1 printing.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views which illustrate a sort-printing.

FIG. 10 is a view which shows the structure of a queue in accordancewith the first embodiment.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G and 11H are views whichillustrate the JDL.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart (1) used for the image processing apparatus inaccordance with the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart (2) for the image processing apparatus inaccordance with the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view which shows the structure of a queue in accordancewith a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for an image processing apparatus in accordancewith the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view which shows a printing format in accordance with thesecond embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram which shows an image processing apparatus inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view which shows the structure of a queue in accordancewith the third embodiment.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are views which illustrate an operational screen inaccordance with the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart used for the image processing apparatus inaccordance with the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a view which shows the structure of a queue in accordancewith a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are views which illustrate an operational screen inaccordance with the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a view which shows a queue in accordance with a fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart used for the image processing apparatus inaccordance with the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a view which schematically shows a case where a program isprovided for an apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a block diagram which shows an image formation systemcomprising an image processing apparatus 3 and an image formingapparatus 1, which deal with the color PDL in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, host computers 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 and an imageprocessing apparatus 3 are connected through a network 4. The PDL datathat have been transferred from the host computers through the network 4and an external interface circuit 5 are held once on a spooler area 8-1on a hard disk 8 by means of a CPU 6. Then, the PDL data read out fromthe spooler area 8-1 are developed into the raster image data, which arewritten on a full-page image memory 10-1 in a RAM 10. The image datathus developed are read out from the full-page image memory 10-1 andtransferred to an image forming apparatus 1 by way of a printerinterface circuit 11 for the formation of images. The program area 8-2on the hard disk 8 is used for holding a program. This program istransferred to a work memory region 10-2 in the RAM 10 for the executionof the program. A part of the work memory region 10-2 and the workmemory region 8-3 on the hard disk 8 are also used as provisional workregions. A printer communication unit 9 is used for communicating withthe image forming apparatus 1. Also, a reference numeral 7 designates aCPU bus to connect them.

In accordance with the present embodiment, the image memory 10-1comprises a total of 24 bits, 8 bits each of RGB (Red, Green, and Blue)per pixel, having a capacity of one page portion in terms of an A-3size. When printing in an A-4 size, it can hold a two-page portion.

In accordance with the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1is a full-color electro-photographic copying machine, and performs theimage formation in accordance with the raster type image data 12 of 24bits, 8 bits each of RGB per pixel, which are transferred from an imageprocessing apparatus. Since, however, the image formation is made by useof four color toners of YMCK (Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black), the RGBshould be converted to the YMCK in the interior of the image formingapparatus 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram which schematically illustrates the structureof the full-color electro-photographic copying machine serving as theimage forming apparatus 1. A reference 31 designates an automaticdocument feeder, which is called DF (Document Feeder). An automatic DFis used for many copying machines currently available on the market.Therefore, any detailed description thereof will be omitted. This deviceis such that a plurality of documents are stacked on it, and each one ofthem is being carried to a reading position thereof. A document placedon the reading position thereof (not shown) is read by a image reader 32comprising an optical system, color CCD, and the like (not shown) andtransformed into an RGB image data. Then, through a switching 45, suchdata are converted to YMCK by means of an image processor 33. Afterthat, the data are transferred to a laser driver 34. Meanwhile, theimage data 12, which are transferred from the image processing apparatus3, are also converted to YMCK data by the image processor 33 through theswitching 45, and after that, transferred to the laser driver 34. Whenthe image forming apparatus 1 functions as a copying machine, the imagedata 46 are selected by the switching unit 45 among those from the imagereader 32. When functioning as a printer, the image data 12 are selectedby the switching 45 among those being transferred from the imageprocessing apparatus 3. The image data transferred from the imageprocessor 33 are transformed into laser beam in the laser driver 34 inorder to form latent images on a photosensitive drum 35. A sheet to formimages on is being fed from an upper cassette 37 or a lower cassette 39and wound around a transfer drum 36. Toner adheres to the latent imageson the photosensitive drum by means of a developing device (not shown)to become visible ones, which are transferred onto the sheet by means ofthe transfer unit 36. The formation of latent images, development, andtransfer are repeated four times by rotating the transfer drum fourtimes per YMCK per sheet so as to transfer YMCK toners onto the sheet.The sheet having the transferred toners is carried to a fixing device 40where toners are fused and fixed to form full-color images. The sheetthus fixed is carried to a staple sorter 42 at the time of ordinaryprinting (the same is applicable to an ordinary copying. Hereinafter,the same), and usually, delivered to the uppermost tray 44-1.

On the other hand, when a printing is made on the right surface of adouble printing, a sheet that has passed the fixing device 40 is carriedto a reversing unit 41. Then, its forwarding direction is reversed bythe reversing unit 41 to enter a duplex tray 38. At this juncture, theimages on the right side are placed on the upper side of a sheet. Then,printing is made on the reverse side of the sheet fed from the duplextray in the same path as in the ordinary printing, and delivered.

Further, when an ordinary sort printing is made on a plurality of pageson plural sheets, each sheet transferred to a staple sorter 42 is outputby distributing them to each of the delivery sheet trays 44-1, 44-2, and44-3. In other words, the output of one sheet having plural pages isstacked on each of the sheet delivery trays.

Also, when a group sort printing is made on a plurality of pages onplural sheets, each of the pages transferred to the staple sorter 42 isoutput by distributing it to each of the sheet delivery trays 44-1,44-2, and 44-3. In other words, the output of plural sheets is stackedon each of the sheet delivery trays per page.

Here, the ordinary sort printing and group sort printing are referred toas a sort printing altogether. Also, since FIG. 3 is a schematic view,only three sheet delivery trays are represented. In practice, however,an arrangement is made to form this structure by use of 10 or 25 trays.

Also, to the staple sorter 42, a stapler 43 belongs, which has afunction to staple sheets stacked on each of the sheet delivery trays.Usually, this function is applied together with the sort printingfunction. Therefore, it is called the sort-staple printing. For example,when this function is combined with a sort-printing, a stapling isusually executed per output of one sheet of plural pages, and then,plural sheets thereof are obtained.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F are views which illustrate the PDL data.The PDL (Page Description Language) represented by a language, PostScript (registered trade mark) of the ADOBE Inc. is, as shown in FIG.4A, the language to describe images per image on one page by combiningelements of (i) images described through character codes, (ii) imagesdescribed through graphic codes, (iii) images described through rasterimage data, among some others.

FIG. 4B shows the example of a description through character codes. Areference mark L100 designates a description to specify the charactercolors. The description in parentheses represents brightness of red,green, and blue in that order. The minimum is 0.0 and the maximum is1.0. The L100 designates that the characters are colored in black. Then,a reference mark L101 designates that a character string “IC” isassigned to a variable String1. Then, a reference mark L102 designatesthat the first and second parameters indicate the x coordinate and ycoordinate at the starting position thereof on a sheet on which thelayout of a character string is designed, and that the third parameterindicates the size of characters, the fourth parameter indicatesintervals between the characters, while the fifth parameter indicatesthe character string that should be designed for the intended layout. Inother words, the L102 designates a character string “IC” beginning atcoordinates (0, 0, 0, 0) in a size of 0.3 at an interval of 0.1 for theintended layout.

FIG. 4C shows the example of a description through graphic codes. Areference mark L103 designates the line colors as in the L100. Here, thered color is specified. Then, a reference mark L104 designates aninstruction to draw lines whose first and second parameters designatethe starting X and Y coordinates and the third and fourth parametersdesignate the terminating X and Y coordinates thereof, and fifthparameter designates the thickness of the line.

FIG. 4D shows the example of a description through raster image data. Areference mark L105 designates that the raster image data are assignedto a variable image1. Here, the first parameter indicates the image typeof the raster image and the numbers of color components. The secondparameter indicates the bit numbers of one color component. The thirdand fourth parameters indicate the image size of raster image in thedirection x and direction y. The fifth parameter and on indicate theraster image data. The numbers of raster image data are the product ofthe numbers of color components that form one pixel, and the image sizein the direction x and direction y. For the L105, the RGB image isformed by three color components (Red, Green, and Blue). Therefore, thenumbers of raster image data are 75 (=3×5×5).

FIG. 4E shows a state where the raster image data are developed byinterpreting the, image descriptions represented in FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4Dwithin one page. Reference marks R100, R101, and R102 designate thedevelopments of the PDL data shown in FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4D,respectively. Actually, these raster image data are developed within thefull-page image memory 10-1 per RGB color component. For example, forthe R100 portion, 0 is written for each of them in each of the RGBmemories, while for the R101 portion, 255, 0, 0 are written,respectively.

The PDL data transferred from the host computer 2 are developed to theraster image likewise, and written on the image memory 10-1.

In accordance with the present embodiment, it is ready for the PDL tomake the descriptions of various modes when executing a printing job.FIG. 4F shows the example of such descriptions of various modes. Areference mark L107 designates an instruction to print this job in the4-in-1 mode that will be described later; likewise, L108, L109, andL110, instructions to print this job in the duplex mode, sort mode, andstaple mode, respectively. These modes will be described later. Also, areference mark L111 designates an instruction to print four sheets perpage included in this job. The 4-in-1 mode will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a view which illustrates printing jobs. The job A is aprinting job transferred from the user a (host computer a). This job isformed by three pages 41-1 to 41-3. In FIG. 5, a reference mark P.1designates a first page. Likewise, the job B is a two-page job from theuser 2. The job C is a one-page job from the user a.

FIG. 1 is a view which illustrates a job joint. The “addition-joint” jobX is a job to joint the job A, job B, and job C in FIG. 5 additionallyin that order. In other words, the three pages of the job A are thefirst page to third page of the joint job X; likewise, the job B, thefourth and fifth pages; and the job C, the sixth page. The“insertion-joint” job Y is a job to insert the job C in FIG. 5 betweenthe second and third pages of the job A and join them together. Thejoint job Y is formed by inserting another job into one job, but thepresent invention is not necessarily limited thereto. A case where eachof the pages of two or more jobs is joined at random like a nest is alsoincluded. The “composition-joint” job Z is a joint job where the job Band job C in FIG. 5 are composed. In other words, the first page of thejob B and the first page of the job C are overlaid for formation on onesheet.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views which illustrate a continuous printing. FIG.6A represents a state where printing is continuously executed withoutany job joint. At first, a printer is actuated to print the job A. Whenthe printer is ready, the feeding of the first page begins. Then, animage formation is executed, and the sheet is delivered. Each of thepages for one job is given a pipe line process (an assembly-lineprocess), thus executing the sheet feeding, formation, and sheetdelivery in succession. In other words, in parallel with the sheetdelivery of the first page, the formation of the second page, and thesheet feeding of the third page are performed. When the third page, thatis, the last page of the job A, is delivered, the printer enters itssuspension process. After such process is completed, the printer comesto a stop. The job B printing takes place after the printer is actuatedanew after the complete termination of the job A printing.

On the other hand, FIG. 6B represents the state where a printing iscontinuously executed by the application of the “addition-joint” job Xwhen jobs are joined. The first three pages (job A) of the job X areprinted in the same manner as shown in FIG. 6A, but in the job joint,the next two pages (job B) and one page (job C) to follow are alsoformed in succession without any suspension of the printer between jobsA and B, and between jobs B and C. Therefore, as clear from FIGS. 6A and6B, the time required for printing for the jobs A, B, and C becomes muchshorter when the job joint is executed.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views which illustrate a duplex printing. FIG. 7Arepresents a state where a duplex printing is executed without any jobjoint. At first, the first and second pages of the job A are formed onthe right and reverse sides of one sheet. Then, the third page of thejob A is printed on the right side of the second sheet. However, sincethere is only the third page for the job A, the second sheet isdelivered without any prints on the reverse side thereof. Likewise, thejob C is executed to print on both sides using one sheet each,respectively.

On the other hand, FIG. 7B represents a state where a duplex printing isexecuted by the application of the addition-joint job X when a job jointis performed. As in the case shown in FIG. 7A, the first two pages ofthe job X are formed on the right and reverse sides of the first sheet.Then, the third page of the job A, which is the third page of the job Xand the first page of the job B, which is the fourth page of the job X,are formed on the right and reverse sides of the second sheet. At thesame time, the second page of the job B and the first page of the job Care formed on the right and reverse sides of the third sheet. In thisway, whereas four sheets are needed for printing shown in FIG. 7A, onlythree sheets are needed for the execution of printing shown in FIG. 7B.Also, if the jobs A, B, and C are prepared for the production of onedocument from the beginning, it is not desirable to allow blank portionsto enter between them as shown in FIG. 7A.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views which illustrate a 4-in-1 printing. FIG. 8Arepresents a state of a 4-in-1 printing without any execution of jobjoint. The 4-in-1 printing means a function to print images of foursheets on one sheet side by side by means of image contraction and sucharrangement of contracted images thereon. The number of images for theside by side arrangement is not necessarily four, but two or eight maybe printable likewise. These are collectively called an N-in-1 printingfunction. For the 4-in-1 printing, the first to third pages of the job Aare formed on the first sheet side by side. Since there are only threepages for the job A, the fourth area of the first sheet is formed inblank without any images. Likewise, the 4-in-1 printing is executed forthe job B and job C using one sheet, respectively.

On the other hand, FIG. 8B represents a state where the 4-in-1 printingis executed by the application of the addition-joint job X when a jobjoint is performed. The first three pages (job A) of the job X areplaced on the first sheet side by side. Then, the first page of the jobB, which is the fourth page of the job X is placed side by side on thefourth area on the first sheet. Likewise, the second page of the job Band the first page of the job C are formed on the second sheet side byside. In this way, whereas three sheets are needed for the performanceshown in FIG. 8A, only two sheets are needed for the performance shownin FIG. 8B. Also, if the jobs A, B, and C are prepared for the formationof one document from the beginning, it is not desirable to allow blackportions to enter between them as shown in FIG. 8A.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views which illustrate a sort printing. FIG. 9Arepresents a state of a sort printing without the execution of any jobjoint. At first, two sheets of three pages of the job A aresort-printed, and each of the sheets of the job A is delivered to eachof the sheet delivery trays on the staple sorter 42 one by one. The userpicks them up, and then, two sheets of two pages of the job B and twosheets of one page of the job C are delivered in the same manner.Therefore, the user should manually sort each of the jobs, each page ofwhich has been delivered one by one if the jobs A, B, and C are preparedfor one document from the beginning. This arrangement requires aconsiderable amount of work particularly when there is a need for theuser to sort each page of each job in the form of nest. Also, ifstapling is needed per sorted portion, it is necessary for the user tosort each of the pages manually, and then, to staple them manually.

On the other hand, FIG. 9B represents a state of a sort printing of anaddition-joint job X when the job joint is performed. As in FIG. 9A, thefirst two sheets of three pages of the job X are sort-printed. Each oneof them is delivered to each of the sheet delivery trays on the staplesorter one by one. Then, two sheets of the job B, which are the fourthand fifth pages of the job X, are sort-printed, and delivered onto thepages of the job A. Likewise, two pages of the job C are delivered ontothose of the job B. As a result, six pages of the job X are deliveredonto each of the sheet delivery trays one by one. This has been adescription regarding a case of the addition-joint job X. However, also,in a case of an insertion-joint job Y, sheets are delivered likewiseonto each of the sheet delivery trays in order of being joined as in theaddition-joint job. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the user to sortthem manually. Likewise, when stapling is required for each sortedportion, the stapler 43 staples each portion automatically.

Here, the description has been made of a case where an ordinary sortingis performed, but the same is applicable to a case where sorting isperformed by the application of a group sort instead of the ordinarysort.

As described above, each of the continuous printing, duplex printing,N-in-1 printing, sort printing, staple-sort printing has been explainedindividually with respect to the job joint. It is of course possible tocombine each of these functions and apply them to a job joint. Forexample, a job joint is possible in such a manner that while executingthe 4-in-1, the duplex printing is performed with the subsequent staplesorting.

FIG. 10 is a view which illustrates the state of a job joint beingexecuted. The image processing apparatus of the first embodiment holdsjobs received from a host computer in the spooler 8-1 on a hard disk.Two kinds of queues are used to hold them. As shown in FIG. 10, one iscalled a printing queue where jobs are arranged in line in order ofthose being received in the queue. It is devised to execute printingbeginning with a job at the head of the queue. The other is called aholding queue where, although jobs are arranged in line in order ofthose being received, the jobs in the holding queue are not executedunless the user intentionally transfers them to the printing queue.

In accordance with the present embodiment, when printing jobs aretransferred from a host computer to the image processing apparatus 3, itis arranged for the apparatus to designate the kinds of the queues toreceive them. For the job joint of the present embodiment, the jobs arereceived in the holding queue in advance for a job joint. In FIG. 10,jobs A, B, and C in the holding queue are those to be joined. A jobjoint is instructed using a job description by the JDL (Job DescriptionLanguage), which will be described later. The JDL is an expansion of thePDL, and the JDL job is handled as a kind of PDL job. To execute a jobjoint, a JDL job, which includes an instruction of the job joint isprovided by a host computer for the printing queue for its printing. Asshown in FIG. 10, when a job arrives at the head of the printing queue,it begins to execute processing a job joint as instructed by the jobdescription written in the JDL. Here, the JDL job S shown in FIG. 10 isthe one that instructs the addition-joint of the jobs A, B, and C.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G and 11H are views whichillustrate the example of a JDL job. At first, the first line in FIG.11A reading “##JDL” indicates that the current job is not any of thegeneral PDL jobs, but a JDL job. The second line in FIG. 11A reading“#J:A+B+C” is an instruction that the jobs A, B, and C should be joinedin that order. Incidentally, in accordance with the present embodiment,a line having the mark “#” at the head thereof is handled as a commentline for the PDL. Therefore, the current job is not regarded as any ofthe PDL jobs.

Now, the second line in FIG. 11B is an instruction that the first pageand the second page of the job A, the job C, and the third page of thejob A should be joined in that order. Then, the second line in FIG. 11Cis an instruction that the job B and job C should be joined forcomposition. The second line in FIG. 11D is an instruction that thewhole jobs instructed by the third line for a job joint should beprinted in the mode of 4-in-1 printing. Likewise, FIGS. 11E, 11F, and11G include the instructions that each of the job joints should beprinted in the modes of duplex printing, sort printing, staple-sortprinting, respectively. Lastly, the second line in FIG. 11H is aninstruction that the job joints should be printed in four copies. Here,each of the modes is described in FIGS. 11A to 11H individually, but itmay be possible to designate each of the modes in combination byarranging those lines of the mode designations side by side as required.However, if one mode is not consistent with another in combination, suchas 2-in-1 and 4-in-1, the one designated later becomes effective.

FIG. 12 a flowchart which illustrates the control flow of the imageprocessing apparatus 3 in accordance with the first embodiment. Atfirst, in S11, the reception task is executed to receive printing jobsat a request from any one of host computers on the network. Then, inS12, it is determined whether or not such printing jobs are transferredtogether with any designation to retain them in the holding queue. Ifaffirmative, the jobs are held in the holding queue in S13. On the otherhand, if the printing queue is designated or no particular designationis provided for any queues, the jobs are held in the printing queue inS14.

Meanwhile, in S21 in FIG. 12, the development and printing tasks are, atfirst, executed to pick up a job at the head of the printing queue.Then, in S22, it is determined whether or not the job thus picked up isa JDL job in accordance with the first line that indicates “##JDL”. Ifnegative, the development is executed and printing is processed as ausual PDL job in S23. Regarding the development and printing processes,the description will be made later in conjunction with FIG. 13. On theother hand, if the job thus picked up is the one described by the JDL,each of the modes designated by the lines beginning with “#M:” isdefined as JDL modes in S24. Then, in S25, each page in each job issorted in S25 in accordance with the order designated by the linebeginning with “#J:” as described in conjunction with FIG. 11, forexample. At this juncture, each of the jobs is transferred from theholding queue and joined together. When the job sorting is completed,the development and printing processes are executed in S26 as in theS23.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart which shows the development and printingprocesses in detail. At first, in S31, each of the modes designated forthe PDL job is defined for each of the job processing modes thereof.Then, in S32, it is determined whether or not the current job is a jobjoint instructed by the job description written in the JDL. Ifaffirmative, the modes defined in the S31 are substituted in S33 by theJDL modes defined in the S24 shown in FIG. 12. This is because, in a jobjoint, each of the modes designated in the JDL job is given priority toany one of the modes designated in each of the job joints when beingprocessed. As a result, if a 4-in-1 is designated in the JDL job, forexample, this designation is given priority and all the pages areprinted in this mode of 4-in-1 even if a 2-in-1 is instructed for a jobA; a 4-in-1, for a job B; and an ordinary printing, for a job C.

Then, in S34, in accordance with each of the modes designated, a printer1 is notified of whether the mode is duplex, sort, or staple-sort.Subsequently, in S35, it is determined whether or not any 4-in-1 mode orcomposition-mode is designated. If neither of them are designated, eachof the pages is developed in S40 on the full-page image memory one afteranother. The image data thus developed are transferred to the printer 1for printing. At this juncture, if the task is a job joint, each of thepages of the job joint is transferred one after another in order ofthose being put together. After all the pages are printed, thedevelopment and print processes terminate. In the S35, however, if thejob is in a 4-in-1 mode, the first page is developed in the firstquarter area on the full-page image memory in S36, and in S37, it isdetermined whether or not all the four pages are completed, that is, itis determined whether the four areas on the full-page image memory areall filled or there are still any areas yet to be filled. If there aresome pages still remaining or all the four areas are not completelyfilled, the process returns to the S36, and the next page is developedon the next quarter area on the full-page memory. Then, the processproceeds to the S37 again. On the other hand, if there is no page leftto be filled or all the four areas are completely filled, the image dataon the full-page image memory are transferred to the printer 1 forprinting. In this way, the 4-in-1 printing is executable as described inconjunction with FIG. 8B. When the printing is over, it is determinedwhether or not there are still any other pages to be printed in S39. Ifaffirmative, the process returns to the S36, and the next page isdeveloped on the first quarter area on the full-page image memory. Thenthe process proceeds to S37. In the S39, if no page remains at all, thedevelopment and printing processes terminate.

Meanwhile, if the mode is composition in the S35, the first page isdeveloped on the full-page image memory in S41. Then, in S42, it isdetermined whether or not any pages still remain to be composed with thepreceding page. If affirmative, the process returns to the S41, the nextpage is developed on the full-page image memory. The process proceeds tothe S42 again. For the second development and on in the S41, thefull-page image memory is not erased before such development process norany white data are written on the memory at the time of development. Inthis way, all the portions of data on plural pages with the exception ofwhite data are substituted one after another, thus making it possible toexecute a composed printing as described in conjunction with thecomposition-job joint illustrated in FIG. 1. In the S42, if there are noother pages to be composed, the image data on the full-page image memoryare transferred to the printer 1 for printing. When printing iscompleted, it is determined whether or not any pages still remaining inS44. If affirmative, the process returns to the S41 where the full-pageimage memory is erased, and then, the next page is developed on thefull-page image memory. The process proceeds to the S42 again. If thereare no other pages remaining in the S44, the development and printingprocesses terminate.

Second Embodiment—Reducing Sheet Consumption

In accordance with the first embodiment, a job joint is designated usingthe JDL job. For a second embodiment, however, a structure is arrangedto automatically designate a job joint if jobs satisfy a certaincondition. Here, the description of the same portions as those of thefirst embodiment will be omitted. In conjunction with FIG. 14, FIG. 15,and FIG. 16, the description will be made of the portions that differfrom the first embodiment.

The second embodiment thus structured is aimed at reducing theconsumption of sheets. Even when there is no immediate need for anyprinted-out sheets, it may sometimes desirable to have the sources ofprint out readily available at hand. Each job of the kind is puttogether for printing in the mode of 4-in-1 or the like in order toreduce the sheet consumption.

FIG. 14 is a view which illustrates queues arranged in the spooler inaccordance with the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, thereare a holding queue and a printing queue. In addition, the one called ajoint queue is arranged anew. For the image processing apparatus of thepresent embodiment, it is devised to designate which one of the threequeues is the destination for a printing job to be transferred from ahost computer. The job that enters the printing queue is automaticallyprinted when it arrives at the head of the queue. On the other hand, thejob that enters the holding queue is not printed unless it istransferred to the printing queue. Meanwhile, the job that enters thejoint queue is automatically printed individually or jointly with someother jobs when it satisfies a certain condition. In accordance with thepresent embodiment, jobs to be joined should be retained in the jointqueue. FIG. 14 illustrates a state where the jobs A, C and D, which areretained in the joint queue, are automatically joined to produce a jobjoint X when a certain condition is satisfied, and then, transferred tothe printing queue. Here, for the reasons to be described later, the jobD is divided into jobs D1 and D2. While the job D1 is joined with thejobs A and C to become the job X, the job D2 is returned to the last ofthe joint queue. The job joint X is automatically printed when itarrives at the head of the printing queue.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart which illustrates the control flow of the imageprocessing apparatus 3 in accordance with the second embodiment. Withthe joint task that is characteristics of the present embodiment, a jobat the head of the joint queue is picked up in S51. In FIG. 14, the jobA of the user a is picked up. Then, in S52, the other jobs of the userwhose job has been picked up in the S51 are retrieved from among thoseretained in the joint queue. In FIG. 14, the job C and job D areretrieved. Subsequently, if each of the jobs is joined, it is determinedwhether or not the number of pages is more than the one-sheet portion ofan output sheet. The number of pages per one output sheet means 2 if themode is duplex or 4 if the mode is 4-in-1. In other words, with thepages that are less than those numbers, one output sheet is not fullyfilled. If the number of pages is more than the portion of one outputsheet, each of the jobs is joined in S55 and transferred to the printingqueue for the formation of images. At this juncture, the jobs that arejoined and transferred to the printing queue are deleted from the jointqueue. Also, the number of pages after the job joint is not a multipleof the number of pages on the portion of one output sheet, the pages inodd number are not joined, and returned to the joint queue as aremaining job. For example, in accordance with the example shown in FIG.14, if the job A has two pages, the job C has one page, and the job Dhas two pages on the assumption that the job joint is printed in themode of 4-in-1, the job A, job C, and the first page of the job D arejoined to be a job X, while the second page of the job D is returned tothe last of the joint queue. This is a process not to print on a sheetunless the sheet can be filled fully with images if the circumstancesadmit of it.

On the other hands, if the number of pages is not more than the portionof one output sheet in the S53, it is determined whether or not theintended job is such as the one among the respective jobs picked up bythe user in the S54, which is still retained after a given time haselapsed since its entrance in the joint queue. If such jobs still remainin the queue, all the jobs are joined in S55 and transferred to theprinting queue for the formation of images. At this juncture, the jobsthat are put together and transferred to the printing queue are deletedfrom the joint queue. This is a process not to allow jobs to reside inthe joint queue without being joined for a long time. Also, in the S54,instead of detecting the elapsed time, it may be possible to determinethe length of stay in accordance with the date of entrance by detectingwhether or not such job enters the queue before yesterday's date or thelike, for example. Also, if the holding capacity of a hard disk becomesless than a given amount, it may be possible to print the jobs stillremaining in the queue beginning with the oldest one, and to delete themone after another.

Meanwhile, in the S54, if there are no jobs that left intact after agiven time has elapsed or in the S55, the transfer to the printing queueis completed, the next job is picked up in S56, and then, the processreturns to the S52. In FIG. 14, the job B of the user b is picked up.

FIG. 16 is a view which illustrates the printing format of a job jointin accordance with the present embodiment. Here, since the jobs in thejoint queue are automatically joined, there is no need for modedesignations using any job descriptions by the JDL as in the case of thefirst embodiment. As a result, it is possible to fix the format of a jobjoint. In accordance with the present embodiment, it is fixed to thesingle-sided one page 4-in-1 mode without sorting and stapling as shownin FIG. 16. Even if each kind of modes is designated for each of thejobs that should be joined, such designation is disregarded when a jobjoint is performed. As jobs in the joint queue are automatically joined,it is arranged to describe the name of user and data of print on theheader of each sheet in order to define each of the users and jobs thathave been printed, respectively. Further, on the upper part of each pageplaced side by side in the mode of 4-in-1, it is arranged to describethe page number of a specific job accordingly. Moreover, in order tomake the boundary of each job clear, it is separated by thick lines,respectively.

Third Embodiment—Instructing a Job Joint from an Operating Unit

In accordance with the first embodiment, a job joint is instructed inthe image processing apparatus by the application of the job descriptionby the JDL. However, in a third embodiment of the present invention, astructure is arranged so that a job joint is instructed through theoperating unit of the image processing apparatus. Also, as one of jobsto be joined, image data read out by means of the image reader of acolor copying machine, which serves as the image formation apparatus 1,are regarded as a printing job among those printing jobs per se, and thestructure is arranged to include such image data in a job joint. Thedescription will be omitted as to the same portions as those of thefirst embodiment. In conjunction with FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19A, 19Band FIG. 20, the description will be made of those portions that differfrom the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram which shows the image formation systemcomprising an image processing apparatus 3 and an image formingapparatus 1 dealing with the color PDL in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

The PDL data transferred from a host computer through a network 4 aredeveloped to the raster image data in the image processing apparatus 3,and transferred to the image forming apparatus 1 as raster image data12. The raster image data are formed by a total of 24 bits, 8 bits eachof RGB per pixel. The raster image data 12 thus transferred are held ina spooler hard disk 56 as they are through an external interface circuit51. The spooler hard disk 56 has a sufficient capacity of holding rasterimage data of plural page portions. The raster image data thus retainedin the spooler are read out in a certain condition and written on animage memory 58. The RGB data written on the image memory 58 are readout and converted by an image processor 33 into YMCK image data, thusbeing transferred to an image formation unit 60 where an image formationis executed.

As described in conjunction with FIG. 3, the image reader 32 is to readdocuments and obtain RGB data. When the image forming apparatus 1functions as a copying machine, the RGB data, which are read out by theimage reader 32, are once held on the spooler hard disk 56, and then,transferred to the image memory 58 and read out for printing.

The controller 52 is to control the entire system of the image formingapparatus 1. In addition to communicating with the image processingapparatus 3, it controls the DF (automatic document feeder) 31, spoolersorter 42 and others described in conjunction with FIG. 3. The operatingunit 54 is to instruct the set up of various modes of copying operationand the start of copying. Also, as described later, it instructs a jobjoint. Here, a reference numeral 61 designates a CPU bus to connectthese units.

FIG. 18 is a view which illustrates the state of job distribution on thespooler disk 56. In accordance with the present embodiment, two kinds ofqueues, printing and holding, are provided for the spooler hard disk 56.These queues function as in the first embodiment with the exception ofthe printing jobs existing in the queues, which are prepared to dealwith raster images. However, in these queues, there are mixed jobs of acopying machine that prints images read out by the image reader (copyingjobs) in addition to the printing jobs per se that have been transferredfrom a host computer through the image processing apparatus.

In FIG. 18, there is at first a job S1, which is mixed in the holdingqueue to deal with the image data read out by a scanner as a printingjob by a copying machine in addition to the printing jobs per se,namely, the job A, job B, and job D. Further, there is a job DFn thatindicates each of the documents stacked on the DF (automatic documentfeeder) 31, which virtually resides in the holding queue. The suffix nof the DFn indicates an nth document. This job, DFn, does not retain anyimage data as an entity on it, but it indicates an image data thatshould be obtainable if an nth document is read out from among thosestacked on the DF.

On the other hand, there also mixed in the printing queue the copyingjobs S2 and S3, in addition to the job C, which is a printing job perse. These are transferred to the image memory 58 beginning with a job atthe head of this queue and printed one after another. In accordance withthe present embodiment, both printing and copying jobs are performed inthe same preferential order, but since a copying job requires moreinstanteneity than a printing job, it may be possible to arrange astructure so that the priority is given to a copying job.

In accordance with the present embodiment, jobs to be joined arearranged in the holding queue. The jobs in the holding queue areselected for a job joint. The jobs thus joined are transferred to theprinting queue for printing when arrive at the head thereof. In FIG. 18,the jobs A, B, S1, DF1, and DF2 are joined, and the job joint X istransferred to the printing queue. In other words, the job A transferredfrom a computer, the job S1 read out by the scanner as a copying job,the job DF1 that indicates the first document on the DF, the job DF2that indicates the second document on the DF, and the job B transferredfrom a computer are joined in that order and transferred to the printingqueue for printing. In this way, the printing jobs per se and copyingjobs are executed as a job joint. Therefore, as described in conjunctionwith the first embodiment, these jobs can be printed continuously orboth of them can be mixed to execute a 4-in-1 printing, a duplexprinting, and others.

In accordance with the present embodiment, the job joint is performed bythe operator by issuing instructions accordingly through the operationunit 54 of the image forming apparatus. FIGS. 19A and 19B are viewswhich illustrate the messages appearing on the screen of the liquidcrystal display panel (not shown) of the operation unit 54. On liquidcrystal display panel, touch keys are arranged. When a job joint key(not shown) on the operation unit is depressed, a screen represented inFIG. 19A appears on the liquid crystal display panel. On the upper partof the screen shown in FIG. 19A, operational messages appear, and on thelower part thereof, a list appears to indicate jobs retained in theholding queue. The number of jobs to be joined is inputted by use of tenkeys, and then, the OK key on the panel is depressed. On the middle partof the screen shown in FIG. 19A, the job numbers for which the job jointis requested are indicated in order of those being joined. With thecompletion of all the instructions required, the exit key is depressed.

On the other hand, in order to set each of the modes applicable to a jobjoint, the mode setup key appearing on the screen represented in FIG.19A is depressed. Then, the screen changes to the one shown in FIG. 19B.The setting mode is selected by moving the cursor by use of the up/downkey (not shown), and then, the desired numbers are entered by use of theten key as to the upper two modes, and each of the on and off modes isswitched over by use of the left/right key (not shown) for the lowerfour modes. In this respect, the up/down key, although not shown, may bean arrow-shaped key, that serves as a zooming key or a densityadjustment key, provided for the operation panel of a copying machine orthe like. The modes that can be set in FIG. 19B are six. It is possibleto indicate the number of printing sheets for the current job joint; thenumeral of N for the mode of N-in-1; the requirements of a duplexprinting, of a sort printing, of a spool printing, and of a compositionprinting from the top, respectively. Here, if 1 is inputted as the N forthe N-in-1 mode, the set up is made for an ordinary printing where onepage is printed on one sheet.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart which illustrates the control flow of the imageforming apparatus 1 in accordance with the third embodiment. At first,in S61, the reception task begins receiving communication from the imageprocessing apparatus 3 if there are printing jobs in it. Then, in S62,it is determined whether or not the holding queue is designated for suchprinting jobs. If affirmative, the jobs are held in the holding queue inS63. If negative, the jobs are held in the printing queue in S64.

Then, in S81, the printing task picks up a job at the head of theprinting queue. In S82, each of the pages retained in the job istransferred to the image memory 58 one after another for printing. Afterthat, the process returns to the S81.

Now, the description will be made of the job joint process executiontask, which is actuated when the job joint key (not shown) of theoperation unit is depressed. For the job joint process execution task,the screens of the liquid crystal panel of the operation unit aredisplayed in S71, at first, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B in order toreceive job joint instructions from the operation unit. Then, when theexit key is depressed, it is determined whether or not any DF jobs, thatis, job DFn, are included in the job joint in S72. If affirmative, theDF is controlled in S73 to read documents on the DF one after another,and then, substances of image data thus read out are being held in theholding queue. Thereafter, the DF jobs are handled in the same way ashandling the copying jobs.

Then, in S74, it is determined whether or not the job joint should beprinted in the mode of N-in-1. If affirmative, the raster image datathat form each of the pages are contracted to 1/N in S75. For example,if the mode is 4-in-1, an image is contracted to a ½ high, and a ½ wide,thus to a ¼ square measure.

Subsequently, in S76, it is determined whether or not anycomposition-joint is executed for the jobs. If affirmative, the jobs arebeing printed together with the composition processing in S77. Morespecifically, in the S77, each of the pages that should be composed issubstituted on the image memory 58 one after another for composition.When images on the second pages and are substituted on the image memory,no white data are written on the memory. As a result, on the imagememory 58, images are composed by the images on each of the pagesincluded in the job joint, which are overlaid one after another with theexception of white data. When the substitutions of all the jobs arecompleted for the composition joint, the image data on the image memory58 are transferred to the image formation unit to form images.

On the other hand, if no composition joint is executed, each of thepages in the jobs that have been joined in the S78 are printed one afteranother. More specifically, image data corresponding to each of thepages are written on the image memory 58, and then, read out andtransferred to the image formation unit to form images. In case of theN-in-1 printing mode, images on each of the corresponding N pages arewritten on the N numbers of areas of the image memory 58, and then,printed accordingly. Also, preceding to the printing, the duplex mode,sort mode, staple mode, and number of sheets set up on the screen shownin FIG. 19B are notified to the image formation unit 60. In accordancewith the notified modes, the respective job joint is printedaccordingly.

Fourth Embodiment—Job Joint Instruction Through the Operation Unit of anImage Processing Apparatus Between a Host Computer and a Printer

In accordance with the first and second embodiments, a job joint isexecuted when developing the PDL jobs into raster images for itstransfer to a printer, and in accordance with the third embodiment, ajob joint is executed after the development into raster images. However,in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, astructure is arranged so that a job joint is executed at the PDL level.Also, while a job joint is instructed using the JDL job for the firstembodiment, jobs are automatically joined for the second embodiment, anda job joint is instructed through the operation unit of an image formingapparatus for the third embodiment, a structure is arranged for thefourth embodiment to instruct a job joint through the operation unit ofan image processing apparatus. The description of the same portions asthose of the first embodiment will be omitted. Here, in conjunction withFIG. 21 and FIGS. 22A and 22B, the description will be made of theportions that differ from the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a view which illustrates queues arranged for the spooler inan image processing apparatus 3 in accordance with the fourthembodiment. As in the first embodiment, a holding que and a printingqueue are arranged. The objects of its provisions are the same as thatof the first embodiment. For the fourth embodiment, the jobs to bejoined are held in the holding queue, and a job joint is executed byinstructions issued through the operation unit in the image processingapparatus 3. FIG. 21 is a view which illustrates a state where the jobsA, C, and D are joined, and then, a job joint X is being transferred tothe printing queue. For the first embodiment, the job joint is executedalong each of the pages being developed for printing when a JDL jobarrives at the head of the printing queue. For the present embodiment,however, a job joint is executed immediately when an instruction isissued through the operation unit therefor, and a job joint istransferred to the last of the printing queue. This job joint processingis performed by generating one PDL data by joining the PDL data forplural jobs to be joined one after another. The PDL data thus generatedis handled as a job joint.

FIG. 22A is a view which shows a screen used for instructing a jobjoint, which is displayed on the operation unit in the image processingapparatus 3. The operator inputs the number of jobs to be joined throughthe ten keys, and then, depresses the OK key. If certain jobs areselected for a job joint and an ID number has been set for such jobs,the screen changes to the one represented in FIG. 22B where the user isrequested to input such ID. This is devised so that no other users canfreely put jobs together. Here, in accordance with the presentembodiment, an ID is set for each of the jobs. It is devised that theIDs are transferred from a host computer together with a printing job ifany protection is needed by use of IDs. However, it may be possible toset IDs per user or to adopt a method whereby to register IDs per userin the image processing apparatus 3.

Fifth Embodiment—Performing a Continuous Printing by Means of a VirtualJob Joint

In accordance with the first embodiment, jobs are joined explicitly, andthen, a continuous printing, a duplex printing, a 4-in-1 printing, asort printing, and others are executed as the case may be. For a fifthembodiment, however, a structure is arranged to automatically orvirtually provide a job joint for a continuous printing. The descriptionof the same portions as those of the first embodiment will be omitted.Here, in conjunction with FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the description will bemade of the portions that differ from the first embodiment.

The fifth embodiment is structured to aim at providing a virtual jobjoint for a continuous printing so as to make processing time shorterfor plural jobs as a whole as described in conjunction with FIGS. 6A and6B. At the same time, it is aimed at avoiding any influences given tothe result of each job processing because of the explicit job joint. Inother words, it is devised so that there is no difference in the resultof printing whether each of the jobs are joined or not.

FIG. 23 is a view which illustrates a printing queue arranged for aspooler in accordance with the fifth embodiment. This queue may be aholding one as in the first embodiment, but the virtual job joint forthe present embodiment is assumed to be executed for the jobs retainedin the printing queue as its object. In FIG. 23, five printing jobs areretained in the printing queue. Each of the jobs is different in themodes as to the size of sheet, single or duplex, sort or non-sort, amongsome others. In accordance with the first, third, and fourthembodiments, the job joint is executed by the instruction issued by theuser. Therefore, whether or not any jobs having different printing modesare put together depends on the user who issues instructions for suchjob joint. Usually, the printing jobs having the same printing mode areput together. Also, even when printing jobs are joined with differentprinting modes, it is possible to designate a printing mode applicableto a job joint. For example, in case of the JDL, a JDL mode, which isapplicable to the entire job, is applied in order to make the printingmodes agreeable with each of the jobs involved. Meanwhile, in accordancewith the second embodiment, jobs are automatically joined. Therefore,the printing modes of job joint are fixed for a certain specific modeunconditionally. As has been described, if printing modes change, theresult of a processed printing job is caused to differ from the originalone inevitably. Therefore, for the present embodiment, in order toremove such cause, it is arranged to automatically pick up only the jobsthat can be printed continuously without changing printing modes for theintended continuous printing. The combination of jobs that admits of acontinuous printing without changing printing modes is dependent on thestructure of a printer to be used. However, in accordance with thepresent embodiment, a continuous printing is made possible only wheneach of the modes of sheet size and single or duplex is the same fornon-sorting. This arrangement is necessary because if the sizes ofsheets are different, there is a need for changing sheet feedercassettes during a continuous printing. Also, for a duplex printing anda single printing, the destinations of delivery trays are different,thus making its control more complicated. Also, if sorting jobsthemselves are joined automatically, the sorted jobs are mixed on thedelivery tray as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, thus the user being requiredto separate them manually after all. Here, in accordance with theexample shown in FIG. 23, the job A and job E are a job combination thatenables a continuous printing without changing printing modes.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart which illustrates the control flow of the imageprocessing apparatus 3 in accordance with the fifth embodiment. Thisflowchart corresponds to the one used for the development and printingtask for the first embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 12. Forthe fifth embodiment, the development and printing tasks are, at first,to pick up a job at the head of the printing queue in S91. Here, inaccordance with the example shown in FIG. 23, the job A is picked up.Then, in S92, such job and the jobs that enable a virtual job joint areretrieved from among those retained in the printing queue. The jobs thatenable a virtual job joint are jobs that make it possible to execute acontinuous printing without changing modes as described above. Inaccordance with the example shown in FIG. 23, the job E is retrieved.Then, in S93, the printer is notified of the printing modes of theentire jobs that have been virtually joined. In accordance with theexample in FIG. 23, the modes thus notified are A4, single, andnon-sort.

Then, in S94, the job A and job E, which are virtually joined, areprinted in succession as described in conjunction with FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In case of a printer used for the present embodiment, it is possible toexecute a virtual job joint on condition that the sizes of sheets usedfor printing are the same and the modes of single or duplex are the samefor non-sorting, but if a printer that can change sheet feeder cassettesduring a continuous printing, it is possible to execute a virtual jobjoint on condition that the single or duplex modes are the same fornon-sorting. This is also an embodiment. In such a case, the jobs A, B,and E can be virtually joined for a continuous printing in accordancewith the example shown in FIG. 23. The same is applicable to the singleor duplex mode. If a printer to be used is capable of switching thedelivery trays at each destination of deliveries during a continuousprinting, it is possible to execute a virtual job joint even if themodes of single or duplex are different. This is also one of theembodiments. Further, regarding the sorting mode, if delivery trays atthe destination of non-sorting and that of sorting are different, it ispossible to execute a virtual job joint for a plurality of non-sortingjobs and one sorting job. This is also one of the embodiments. Also, ifa sufficient number of trays are available at the destinations whensorting is executed, a plurality of sorting jobs can be virtually joinedby arranging a structure so that a control is made to group the trays atdestinations per job and avoid any mixture of sorted sheets betweenjobs. This is also another one of the embodiments.

Other Embodiments

In accordance with the embodiments described above, the image datatransferred from a host computer are received in the PDL data format.The features of this format are such that character data, graphic data,and raster image data can be handled uniformly, but it also constitutesone of the embodiments that instead of the PDL data, only raster imagedata are received and written on the image memory. In this case, anycomplicated development processing is not needed for execution. As aresult, there is no need for the provisions of high speed CPU, ROM, RAM,and others, thus making it possible to keep costs at a lower level.

Also, for the embodiments described above, the raster image data aredeveloped on the image memory or held on the spooler hard disk as theyare. This contributes to making the hardware structure simpler. However,instead of developing them as they are, it may be possible to hold themon the image memory or the spooler hard disk after giving them somecompression process. This is also one of the embodiments. In this case,the hardware structure becomes more complicated, but it is possible toreduce the size of memory efficiently.

In accordance with each of the embodiments described above, image data,such as PDL data, are received by communicating with an external hostcomputer or the like. It also constitutes another one of the embodimentsif an arrangement is made so as to receive image data from an innerfloppy disk. Here, instead of a floppy disk, a hard disk or the like isadoptable for the same purpose. Also, it may be possible to receive PDLdata produced by use of an application program (not shown) on the mainmemory or transfer it therefrom.

Also, in accordance with each of the embodiments described above, theimage forming apparatus 1 is provided separately from the imageprocessing apparatus 3, but it may be possible to provide them together.

FIG. 25 is a view which shows a state where a program with respect tothe present embodiment is loaded on a server installed on a networkthrough a storage medium, and at least, an index, a reception task, adevelopment printing task, and a joint task described earlier are storedon the storage medium.

When the functions of the image processing apparatus of the presentembodiment are executed by means of a host computer such a serverinstalled on the network, it is also possible to apply the presentinvention even if such functions are supplied to the host computer, animage forming apparatus, or an image processing apparatus by loading agroup of information including the program through a FD, a CD-ROM, flashmemory or other memory means, or through a network.

In this way, a job joint is possible. In the meantime, if any conflictstake place among the jobs, the one designated last is validated. Asdescribed above, when a job joint is performed, it is determined whetheror not the numbers of pages are more than a portion of one output sheet.If affirmative, the job joint is possible.

As described above, it is possible to instruct a job joint through aoperation panel on the printer side.

As described above, it is possible to provide a storage medium forstoring tasks that perform a job joint.

Also, the present invention is applicable to a system comprising aplurality of equipment or to an apparatus having one equipment. It is ofcourse possible to apply the present invention even when a program issupplied to a system or an apparatus for its implementation. In thiscase, a storage medium that stores a program embodying the presentinvention is regarded as a constituent of the present invention. Then,by reading out such program from the storage medium to a system or anapparatus, it is made possible for the system or the apparatus tooperate in such a manner as predetermined by the program.

As has been described above, in accordance with the present invention,there is an effect to provide an apparatus for controlling imageprocessing capable of applying the various processes, which have beenapplied per job, to a plurality of printing jobs as a whole by joiningand regarding them as one job, and to provide a method for controllingimage processing as well.

1. An image processing apparatus, connected to a host computer, forcontrolling image processing, said apparatus comprising: reception meansfor receiving one or more print jobs from the host computer, each printjob including a plurality of logical pages and a logical page numberindicating a number of logical pages to be arranged on one side of aprint sheet, the logical page number being designated as a page layout;spool means for spooling the print jobs received by said receptionmeans; input means for inputting a joining instruction that specifies aplurality of print jobs among the print jobs spooled by said spool meansto be joined into one joint print job, and that instructs a logical pagenumber indicating a number of logical pages to be arranged on one sideof a print sheet as a page layout for the joint print job such that aplurality of pages of the one joint print job are printed on one side ofa print sheet; joining means for, based on the joining instruction inputby said input means, joining the specified print jobs into the one jointprint job; and print means for printing the one joint print job joinedby said joining means, wherein said joining means executes the joiningprocess using the logical page number instructed as the page layout forthe one joint print job without using the logical page numbersdesignated in the specified print jobs joined by said joining means. 2.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print unit has a duplexprint function, and wherein if the joining mode designates a duplexprint mode, said joining means joins the specified print jobs into theone joint print job such that predetermined pages included in respectivedifferent print jobs can be printed on respective different sides of oneprint sheet.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if thejoining mode designates an N-in-1 print mode, said joining means joinsthe specified print jobs into the one joint print job such thatpredetermined pages included in different print jobs can be printed onthe same side of one print sheet.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said joining means joins the specified print jobs into the onejoint print job such that at least one page included in one print jobcan be inserted between a plurality of pages included in another printjob.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising imagereading means for reading image data, wherein said joining means joinsthe specified print jobs into the one joint print job by handling theimage data read by said image reading means as one type of print job. 6.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job includes atleast one of a duplex print mode, a sort print mode, asort staple printmode, and an N-in-1 print mode.
 7. A method of controlling imageprocessing for an image processing apparatus connected to a hostcomputer, the method comprising the steps of: receiving one or moreprint jobs from the host computer, each print job including a pluralityof logical pages and a logical page number indicating a number oflogical pages to be arranged on one side of a print sheet, the logicalpage number being designated as a page layout; spooling the print jobsreceived in said receiving step; inputting a joining instruction thatspecifies a plurality of print jobs among the print jobs spooled in saidspooling step to be joined into one joint print job, and that instructsa logical page number indicating a number of logical pages to bearranged on one side of a print sheet as a page layout for the jointprint job such that a plurality of pages of the one joint print job areprinted on one side of a print sheet; joining, based on the joininginstruction input in said inputting step, the specified print jobs intothe one joint print job; and printing, via a printer, the one jointprint job joined in said joining step, wherein said joining stepexecutes the joining process using the logical page number instructed asthe page layout for the one joint print job without using the logicalpage numbers designated in the specified print jobs joined by saidjoining means.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the printerhas a duplex print function, and wherein if the joining mode designatesa duplex print mode, the specified print jobs are joined in said joiningstep into the one joint print job such that predetermined pages includedin respective different print jobs can be printed on respectivedifferent sides of one print sheet.
 9. The method according to claim 7,wherein if the joining mode designates an N-in-1 print mode, thespecified print jobs are joined in said joining step into the one jointprint job such that predetermined pages included in different print jobscan be printed on the same side of one print sheet.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 7, wherein the specified print jobs are joined bysaid joining means into the one joint print job such that at least onepage included in one print job can be inserted between a plurality ofpages included in another print job.
 11. The method according to claim7, further comprising the step of reading image data, wherein thespecified print jobs are joined in said joining step into the one jointprint job by handling the read image data as one type of print job. 12.The method to claim 7, wherein the print job includes at least one of aduplex print mode, a sort print mode, a sort staple print mode, and anN-in-1 print mode.
 13. An image processing apparatus having a firststorage area for storing print jobs to be printed in a predeterminedorder and a second storage area for storing print jobs to be printed inresponse to a print instruction entered independently of the print jobs,said image processing apparatus comprising: reception means forreceiving a print job from a host computer, each print job including aplurality of logical pages and a logical page number indicating a numberof logical pages to be arranged on one side of a print sheet, thelogical page number being designated as a page layout; storage controlmeans for controlling the second storage area to store the print jobreceived by said reception means as a hold job in response to a holddesignation for the print job; display control means for controlling adisplay unit to display a list of the print jobs stored as hold jobs inthe second storage area; selection input means for entering a selectioninstruction specifying a plurality of print jobs to be joined among thelist of print jobs displayed on the display unit; layout mode inputmeans for entering a page layout for one joint print job obtained byjoining the plurality of specified print jobs, a logical page numberindicating a number of logical pages to be arranged on one side of aprint sheet being designated as the page layout; and print control meansfor joining the plurality of print jobs specified by the selectioninstruction entered by said selection input means into the one jointprint job in the page layout entered by said layout mode input means andfor controlling a print unit to print the one joint print job, whereinsaid print control means executes the joining process using the logicalpage number designated as the page layout entered by said layout modeinput means for the one joint print job without using the logical pagenumbers designated in the plurality of specified print jobs joined bysaid print control means.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13,wherein said print control means determines a page layout based on theprint mode entered by said print mode input means such thatpredetermined pages of the specified print jobs are printed on the sameside of one print sheet.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 13,further comprising a third storage area for storing print jobs to beautomatically printed when a certain condition is satisfied, whereinsaid print control means automatically joins a plurality of print jobsstored in the third storage area into the one joint print job andcontrols the print unit to print the one joint print job in response tothe certain condition being satisfied.
 16. The apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein when the plurality of print jobs to be joined arespecified, said selection input means requests input of a password foreach print job, wherein said print control means joins the plurality ofspecified print jobs into one print job and controls the print unit toprint the one joint print job after a proper password is input for eachprint job.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprisingimage reading means for reading image data, wherein said print controlmeans joins the specified print jobs into the one joint print job byhandling the image data read by said image read means as one type ofprint job.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein upon joiningthe plurality of print jobs stored in the third storage area into theone joint print job, said print control means joins the print jobs for asame user.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the printjob includes at least one of a duplex print mode, a sort print mode, asort staple print mode, and an N-in-1 print mode.
 20. An imageprocessing method for an image processing apparatus having a firststorage area for storing print jobs to be printed in a predeterminedorder and a second storage area for storing print jobs to be printed inresponse to a print instruction entered independently of the print jobs,said method comprising the steps of: receiving a print job from a hostcomputer, each print job including a plurality of logical pages and alogical page number indicating a number of logical pages to be arrangedon one side of a print sheet, the logical page number being designatedas a page layout; storing the print job received in said receiving stepin the second storage area as a hold job in response to a holddesignation for that print job; displaying a list of the printjobsstored as hold jobs in the second storage area; specifying a pluralityof print jobs to be joined among the list of print jobs displayed on thedisplay unit; entering a page layout mode for the one joint print jobobtained by joining the plurality of specified print jobs, a logicalpage number indicating a number of logical pages to be arranged on oneside of a print sheet being designated as the page layout; joining theplurality of print jobs specified in said specifying step into one jointprint job in the page layout entered in said layout step; and printingthe one joint print job, wherein in said joining step, the print modeexecutes the joining process using the logical page number designated asthe page layout entered by said layout mode input means for the onejoint print job without using the logical page numbers designated in theplurality of specified print jobs joined in the joining step.
 21. Themethod according to claim 20, wherein a page layout is determined basedon the entered print mode such that predetermined pages of the specifiedprint jobs are printed on the same side of one print sheet.
 22. Themethod according to claim 20, wherein a plurality of print jobs to beautomatically printed when a certain condition is satisfied are storedin a third storage area, the print jobs are joined automatically intothe one joint print job, and the one joint print job is printed inresponse to the certain condition being satisfied.
 23. The methodaccording to claim 20, further comprising the step of requesting inputof a password for each print job when the plurality of print jobs to bejoined are specified, wherein the plurality of specified print jobs arejoined into the one joint print job and the one joint print job isprinted after a proper password is input for each print job.
 24. Themethod according to claim 20, further comprising the step of readingimage data, wherein the specified print jobs are joined into the onejoint print job by handling the read image data as one type of printjob.
 25. The method according to claim 22, wherein upon joining theplurality of print jobs stored in the third storage area into the onejoint print job, the print jobs are joined for a same user.
 26. Themethod according to claim 20, wherein the print job includes at leastone of a duplex print mode, a sort print mode, a sort staple print mode,and an N-in-1 printmode.